Bao Tram Idol: A turning point for success.

The cultural heritage of Nghe An province

PV: Hello Bao Tram, I've gotten to know you through many prestigious competitions, and I've been touched by your music. For some reason, I feel a sense of closeness to you, just like the beautiful melodies you bring. Could you share about your musical journey?

Singer Bao Tram:Bao Tram was born into a family with no artistic background, and although she loved music and had a talent for it from a young age, she never thought she would pursue a career in music. However, because she wasn't born and raised in an artistic environment, she learned and absorbed from a young age various mindsets and skills outside of vocal training, which helped her develop a clear-headed and strategic approach to her career.

Because I didn't choose music as my future career path, in my senior year of high school I switched from the humanities (D) to the sciences (A), passed the entrance exam for the National Economics University in both fields, and completed my bachelor's degree.

However, perhaps the profession chose me; my great passion for singing had occupied my mind for many years, making me want to try my hand at this field. And surprisingly, I won my first awards, and most impressively, I reached the final rounds of the prestigious music competition - Vietnam Idol.

After competing in Vietnam Idol, becoming a singer, and getting married, in 2018 I decided to study vocal music at the Hanoi College of Arts and am currently a second-year student at the Vietnam National Academy of Music. The reason I wanted to receive formal vocal training was to conquer the stage and prove that pursuing a singing career requires honing both my stage presence and professional skills.

I believe everyone has a mission in life and everyone has their own lessons to learn. All the knowledge I've gained over the years, from birth to graduating from the National Economics University, hasn't been wasted because I still use those skills and mindset in my work. I'm aware of the importance of honing my vocal skills, and I'm currently a second-year student at the Vietnam National Academy of Music.

You feel a sense of closeness with me because we share a common cultural heritage. And, there's something Bảo Trâm hasn't shared before: Bảo Trâm's ancestral home is in Bắc Giang, but her roots are in Quỳnh Lưu (formerly) – Nghệ An. There's still an ancestral temple in Quỳnh Lưu, Nghệ An. However, because my family moved to Bắc Giang a long time ago, I've never been back to my ancestral home. And today, being able to talk on Nghệ An's newspapers, radio, and television has moved me deeply. I'm truly proud that the cultural heritage of Nghệ An flows in my veins. My parents and grandparents always told me that people from Nghệ An are hardworking, resilient, and always strive to prove themselves.

Pressure, pauses, and the long-term choice.

Interviewer: You're one of the few famous young artists who decided to return to school. What was your reason?

Singer Bao Tram:There are many reasons why Bao Tram made this decision. Honestly, Bao Tram is quite "envious" of those who received formal training from a young age because they have a more comprehensive perspective and a more solid foundation to pursue their careers. Now that she's started later, she has to try her best to do well. Therefore, a broad and solid professional foundation will open up more opportunities for her vocal career.

PV: When Bảo Trâm returned to her studies, the audience was very surprised by the many songs she performed, such as movie soundtracks, Jazz, and even classical music with a high academic quality. I was also very impressed with a song from the recently released, quite popular film - "Cải Mả," the song "Phút yếu lòng" (Moment of Weakness), Bảo Trâm's image was mesmerizing and very captivating. What do you think about this comeback?

Singer Bao TramThe song "Moment of Weakness" seems like a mountain Bảo Trâm has to climb. The female character in the song truly has a very painful emotional life, and how can a woman who is currently very fulfilled sing such a song? Bảo Trâm also spent some time sitting quietly, reflecting on her experiences over the past thirty-odd years. She realized she had also gone through a lot of emotional suffering to reach the happiness she has today. Bảo Trâm tried to recall those memories and piece them together, finding a connection between herself and the character in the song to best portray the girl's anguish.

PV: Do you think this is the time for Bao Tram's music to be reborn? What kind of female singer do you want to build your image as in the future?

Singer Bao TramBảo Trâm believes that the most opportune time would probably be after she graduates from the Vietnam National Academy of Music. That's when Bảo Trâm feels confident with the recognition of her teachers, the audience, and even her children and family. What Bảo Trâm cares about is that the sincerity and kindness in her singing will be able to touch the audience.

PV: On the Vietnamese music scene, there are many young names that are currently very popular. How does Bao Tram want to position herself on that map?

Singer Bao TramWhen Bảo Trâm first entered showbiz, she was very confused, as she had absolutely no academic background. She believed that every artist should create a fan club to spread what is true, good, and beautiful to their audience, and that along with a good soul, skill and talent are crucial factors. Bảo Trâm entered this world with a burning desire to contribute more to Vietnamese music and to make more people love her voice.

PV: From a successful woman who has released hit songs to a very happy woman with her small family, many people still believe that if life is too fulfilling, people sometimes forget that they also have a passion. Are you afraid of losing your enthusiasm for music?

Singer Bao TramBảo Trâm is a person who lives by principles and always steadfastly follows the path she has chosen. She considers music and her family her mission, and therefore, even though she is fulfilled in her own world, Bảo Trâm continues to strive to improve herself to become the best version of herself, bringing the most wonderful musical experiences to her audience, worthy of the pride her children and family have for her.

Interviewer: Thank you, Bao Tram, for this conversation!

Le Mai